pistol-whip

verb

pis·​tol-whip ˈpi-stᵊl-ˌ(h)wip How to pronounce pistol-whip (audio)
pistol-whipped; pistol-whipping; pistol-whips
Synonyms of pistol-whipnext

transitive verb

: to beat with a pistol

Examples of pistol-whip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What a waste for the other defendants, and for the victims, who allegedly were held at gunpoint and pistol-whipped. — Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026 Months later, a man was pistol-whipped by two assailants while meeting up with a woman in a first-floor room, authorities said. — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 In that incident, he is accused of pistol-whipping a female employee before making off with her keys and wallet. — Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 Mason is accused of pointing a handgun and pistol-whipping a man multiple times in the front yard of the victim's home on Carroll Street. — Jennifer Borrasso, CBS News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pistol-whip

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pistol-whip was circa 1930

Rhymes for pistol-whip

See All Rhymes for pistol-whip

Browse Nearby Words

pistol shot
pistol-whip
piston
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pistol-whip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pistol-whip. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

pistol-whip

verb
: to beat with a pistol

More from Merriam-Webster on pistol-whip

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pistol-whip

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